04/18/2024 | Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare to Host Community Mental Health Expo on May 18 to Celebrate 150 Years of Serving the Mental Health Needs of Southeastern Ohio

For Immediate Release
April 18, 2024

Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare to
Host Community Mental Health Expo on May 18
to Celebrate 150 Years of Serving the
Mental Health Needs of Southeastern Ohio

(ATHENS, OH) - Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) is hosting a Community Mental Health Expo to celebrate 150 years of serving the mental health needs of Southeastern Ohio. The public is invited to visit the hospital located at 100 Hospital Drive in Athens on Saturday, May 18 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Expo will feature speakers, informational displays, a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital's treatment mall, food trucks, a patient art show, and more.

ABH is one of six regional psychiatric hospitals operated by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). The 92-bed hospital provides psychiatric care to civil and forensic patients from 17 counties, including: Adams, Athens, Coshocton, Fairfield, Gallia, Guernsey, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington.

"Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare has been an integral part of the Athens community for 150 years," said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. "We are proud of that rich heritage and the hospital's ongoing commitment to delivering quality, compassionate care to help Ohioans from throughout Southeastern Ohio faced with serious mental health challenges thrive. While the building has changed, the foundational philosophy of dignity and compassion continues to resonate in the hearts of those who serve the mental health needs of Southeastern Ohio today. We look forward to celebrating that legacy of collaborative care and renewing our commitment to promoting treatment, recovery, and wellness for years to come."

<_w3a_wrap type="square">ABH opened in 1993, replacing the former building, which had operated on the ridges above Athens since 1874. The original hospital building, which accepted its first patient on New Year's Day 1874, still stands and is currently owned by Ohio University. Today, ABH averages around 235 patient admissions annually, and employs more than 200 compassionate workers, including psychiatric physicians, nurses, therapeutic program workers, and others.

"While our name and location has changed over time, our vision has remained the same: excellence and recovery. That vision requires the collaboration of many throughout the Appalachian region, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to create a legacy that will be honored during this special occasion," said ABH CEO Elaine Crnkovic. "Together, we do what no one else can. As a hospital, we have a steadfast faith in the resilience of mankind, and the belief that each and every one of us has the capacity to be our best selves when given the opportunity."

Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. with scheduled remarks to begin at 11:30 a.m. Speakers will include OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn and City of Athens Mayor Steve Patterson. Facility tours will begin at noon and will highlight the hospital's treatment mall, which includes therapeutic spaces where patients engage in activities and occupational therapies. (Note: No patients will be present.) Along the way, visitors will have an opportunity to explore a variety of interactive hands-on activities and informational exhibits hosted by hospital staff and community partners. The tour will culminate with a viewing of the second annual Recovery Art Exhibit of unique items created by patients.

Click HERE to watch the ABH 150th Anniversary video, featuring a historical overview of the hospital and remarks from current hospital staff.

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